Hey everyone. I've search for a long while about this topic but didn't find an answer, so here goes:

I'm creating my own custom emai template to be used in Outlook 2003. I've created 3 tables all of the same width. One as a header (with an image centered) another as the body and the last as a footer with a custom signature and 2 graphics linked to my FB & Twitter pages. I'm almost completed but there are two nagging problems:

1. I can't figure out how to format the "body" table with single line spacing. (remember I want this field to be blank until text is added when an email is written). Everytime I save the .html file and open it in Outlook it reverts to double spacing. I know this can be done because all of the standard Outlook stationary html files use single spacing.

2. I'd like the 2 bottom graphics to be immeadiately underneath the signature. As it is the graphics are a few lines below and I can't get them to move up without affecting the signature text.

I consider the use of Image Maps bad practice as there really are no benefits to using them - except for the fact you get away with one image rather than 3,4 or 5. I actually can't remember the last time I saw one come through my inbox.

and it's sooooo easy to forget the overwhelming numbers of blokes in the villages with a slow connection, an older computer with images turned off in his email program. He and his grandma are our clients' customers.

I consider the use of Image Maps bad practice as there really are no benefits to using them - except for the fact you get away with one image rather than 3,4 or 5. I actually can't remember the last time I saw one come through my inbox.

Really, I get them through on a daily basis. I agree that it may be because you don't have the necessity to slice the image/s up into more parts which is obviously easier. I'm just suprised by the number of well-know companies that use them......these are'nt your Grannies Basket Weaving companies.

Thanks for the responses. I love it when a post creates a good discussion. I have a follow up question: The template will be used for outgoing everyday email for my business and I'd like the middle or the body table to be left blank so that text can be entered (by the user). I can't figure out a way to format the table for single spacing when it's blank (with no text). I can do it if I add text before saving but then the template has text that needs to be erased (in Outlook) before you can use it.

Looks like you're onto something. Could you dumb that down for me just a bit. I don't understand what you mean when you say "non-breaking space". Could you please show me what that code should look like?

Ken,

I'm going to save this template as my default email stationary to use in Outlook so I can reuse it over & over.

I'm almost there. Only one other thing bugging me with my layout. After inputing a Subject in the Subject field of the email program, is there a way set a tab default to jump to the "Body" table to input text (aligned all the way left)?